Changes in Goodwill Balances (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 5,775
Accumulated impairment losses	(3,429)	[1]
Total	2,346
Reclassifications and other	(44)	[2]
Additions/reductions	1,928
Goodwill	7,659
Accumulated impairment losses	(3,429)	[1]
Total	4,230
Industrial Packaging
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,157
Accumulated impairment losses	0	[1]
Total	1,157
Reclassifications and other	(1)	[2]
Additions/reductions	1,938	[3]
Goodwill	3,094
Accumulated impairment losses	0	[1]
Total	3,094
Printing Papers
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	2,439
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,765)	[1]
Total	674
Reclassifications and other	(42)	[2]
Additions/reductions	(13)	[4]
Goodwill	2,384
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,765)	[1]
Total	619
Consumer Packaging
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,779
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,664)	[1]
Total	115
Reclassifications and other	(1)	[2]
Additions/reductions	3	[5]
Goodwill	1,781
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,664)	[1]
Total	117
Distribution
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	400
Accumulated impairment losses	0	[1]
Total	400
Reclassifications and other	0	[2]
Additions/reductions	0
Goodwill	400
Accumulated impairment losses	0	[1]
Total	$ 400

[1] Represents accumulated goodwill impairment charges since the adoption of ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" in 2002.

[2] Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.

[3] Represents the acquisition of Temple-Inland, net of amounts reclassified to Assets held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet related to the required divestiture of two Temple-Inland Mills (Ontario, California and New Johnsonville, Tennessee) and one International Paper mill (Oxnard, California).

[4] Reflects a reduction from tax benefits generated by the deduction of goodwill amortization for tax purposes in Brazil.

[5] Represents the impact of the change in estimate of the contributed land in the Shandong IP & Sun Food Packaging Co., Ltd. joint venture in China entered into in 2011.